How Water Quality Affects Your Plumbing and Appliances
Water quality has a bigger impact on your plumbing than most homeowners realize. Minerals, chemicals, and impurities in your water can corrode pipes, reduce efficiency, and even cause early appliance failure. Understanding how water quality affects your home is key to maintaining a reliable plumbing system.
Hard Water: The Silent Culprit
Hard water is one of the most common plumbing problems in Michigan. It contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which form scale inside pipes, faucets, and appliances.
Over time, this buildup restricts water flow, reduces pressure, and forces appliances like dishwashers and water heaters to work harder — increasing energy bills.
How It Damages Appliances
Hard water doesn’t just affect pipes — it takes a toll on your appliances too:
- Water heaters: Sediment buildup reduces heating efficiency and can lead to failure.
- Dishwashers and washing machines: Scale deposits clog internal lines and spray arms.
- Coffee makers and ice machines: Mineral deposits impact taste and performance.
The result? Shorter appliance life and higher maintenance costs.
Chlorine and Chemicals in Tap Water
City-treated water often contains chlorine and other disinfectants to kill bacteria. While necessary for safety, these chemicals can dry out rubber seals, corrode metal parts, and cause unpleasant odors.
Filtered water protects your plumbing and provides fresher, better-tasting water for your family.
The Benefits of Water Filtration or Softening
Installing a whole-home water softener or filtration system is the best way to improve water quality and protect your plumbing. These systems:
- Remove hardness minerals that cause buildup
- Reduce chlorine, lead, and other contaminants
- Extend the lifespan of appliances and fixtures
- Improve taste and clarity of water
A filtration system pays for itself over time through lower repair costs and increased efficiency.
Signs You Have Poor Water Quality
- White or chalky residue on faucets
- Low water pressure
- Cloudy or bad-tasting water
- Frequent repairs to water-using appliances
If you notice these issues, it’s time for a professional water test.
Get Cleaner, Healthier Water
At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we provide expert water testing, filtration installation, and maintenance services throughout Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. We’ll help you find the perfect solution to protect your home and your plumbing.
📞 248-652-0990 | 🌐 pnsplumbing.com
